Transition Services in Nebraska help individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or those aging out of foster care successfully move from institutional settings to community-based living or from youth to adult services. These services focus on personalized planning, skill development, and support to ensure a smooth transition. Transition Services are authorized under Nebraska Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Transition Services and manages provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement

Agency: Nebraska Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) Division
Role: Ensures quality standards, service delivery, and compliance for Transition Services under HCBS waiver programs

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Medicaid-funded Transition Services meet HCBS quality, person-centered planning, and participant protection standards

2. TRANSITION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Transition Services support individuals in moving from institutional care to home and community-based settings or transitioning from youth to adult services. These services are designed to foster independence and ensure continuity of care.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Transition Planning: Developing individualized transition plans that outline goals and support needs
• Skill Building: Teaching independent living skills such as cooking, budgeting, and personal care
• Housing Support: Assisting with finding and securing accessible, community-based housing
• Employment Preparation: Job readiness training, resume building, and interview practice
• Educational Continuity: Coordinating with schools and training programs for ongoing learning
• Healthcare Coordination: Setting up medical appointments, medication management, and continuity of care
• Family and Caregiver Support: Educating families on how to support the transition process

All services are provided based on the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to meet the specific transition goals of the participant.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register the business entity with the Nebraska Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Transition Services provider via the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
• Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance
• Develop policies for transition planning, skill development, and community integration
• Ensure staff meet background checks, health screenings, and relevant training requirements

4. NEBRASKA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Transition Services under HCBS waivers

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, staff qualifications, and policy manuals

Program Readiness Review:

• DHHS evaluates provider readiness, including transition planning protocols, staff qualifications, and safety measures

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon successful review, providers receive authorization to bill Medicaid for Transition Services using designated billing codes

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Nebraska Secretary of State)
• IRS EIN confirmation
• NPI confirmation
• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

Transition Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:

• Transition planning, coordination, and skill development procedures
• Housing assistance, employment preparation, and educational support protocols
• Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training requirements
• Documentation standards for progress tracking and Medicaid billing
• HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling
• Risk management and emergency preparedness policies
• Quality assurance and transition success monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Transition Program Director
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, or a related field, experience in transition planning or community-based services, supervisory experience preferred.

Role: Transition Specialists
Requirements: High school diploma or GED, experience in community integration, vocational support, or youth transition, background clearance.

Role: Employment and Housing Support Coordinators
Requirements: Experience in job readiness, housing assistance, or independent living skills training, background clearance.

All staff must complete:

• Training in person-centered planning and transition facilitation
• HIPAA compliance and participant rights education
• Crisis management and conflict resolution training
• Annual competency evaluations and professional development

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Transition Services are available under the following Nebraska Medicaid Waivers:

• Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver
• Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver
• Children with Disabilities Waiver
• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver

Services may include:

• Individualized transition planning and coordination
• Skill development for independent living
• Employment preparation and support
• Housing navigation and assistance
• Healthcare coordination and continuity planning
• Family education and caregiver support

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Compliance Preparation
Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Program Development
Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Transition Services Launch
Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/

Nebraska Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) Division
Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Medicaid.aspx

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Website: https://www.cms.gov/

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance
• Policy manual development for transition planning and community integration
• Staff credentialing, training program templates, and skill-building guidance
• Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management
• Branding, website development, and client engagement strategies
• Quality assurance systems for monitoring transition success and compliance
• Networking with community organizations for resource sharing and collaboration